Corporate Corruption

The Gilded Age thrived on the power of industry and the excess of the wealthy; robber barons like Carnegie, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and J.P. Morgan were able to build empires out of arising inventions and factory labor. The same time, America was also expanding its borders and filling it with these presumed reaps of the American Industrial Revolution. Unfortunately, this came at a cost. Even with the additions of continental railroads, America’s attempt at maintaining a prominent sense of unification and interconnection under broadened borders was unsuccessful. The country still fell apart to divisions; there was the North, South, and West.

James Madison and John Locke foresaw the temptation that would arise out of such circumstances. Great divisions meant many tribulations for the government to overcome; politicians would have to build immunity against the desire for a centralized seat of power as a counter to control the vast lands that America populated; centralization warranted a weak republic, easily left to the mercy of powerful interest groups. Unfortunately, the government that arose out of Reconstruction and that was born out of the Gilded Age was exactly that - centralized.

Anyone who dared oppose such corruption, or obvious display of labor of representative exploitation, were often silenced by the affluent powerhouses of the Gilded Age. Most famously, these said powerhouses harbored an expressive fear of labor unions who were the primary opposers of labor inequality - a social issue that was often ignored by government officials due to their associations with victimizing corporations.

Labor unions, the only safeguards against corporate corruption, were ineffective during the Gilded Age. They were silenced by powerhouses like robber baron, Andrew Carnegie. In general, politicians like Beveridge, Cleveland, and Hill too, were impervious to the struggles of those in the factories, railroads, and farms. They were resistant to their plights, even when events like the Homestead Strike occurred, and when journalists like Upton Sinclair, came about with stories broadcasting the harsh conditions in which they labored under. The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair, was published in 1906 during the height of the Industrial Revolution. His book focused on the new immigrants of America, a demography primarily composing the working class of America, and how they were exploited without regard. In his novel, he perfectly surmised the population which Beveridge and other politicians neglected:

"Here was a population, low-class and mostly foreign, hanging always on the verge of starvation, and dependent for its opportunities of life upon the whim of men every bit as brutal and unscrupulous as the old-time slave drivers under such circumstances immorality was exactly as inevitable, and as prevalent, as it was under the system of chattel slavery...only they did not show...difference in color between master and slave" (Sinclair 151).

Sinclair saw with clear eyes the frightening truth of what was happening to America, saw that “the great corporations which employed you lied to you, and lied to the whole country,” - he saw and wrote what was happening, yet nothing was done to save the corrupted democracy which America had fallen into (88).

Unfortunately, the end of the Gilded Age did not mean the extinction of corruption. To this day, there is still a disparity between social classes as a preference for the wealthy is still prevalent. American policymaking is still biased towards the elite and disregards the middle and lower class. Higher wage occupations and rewards are still being given out to those with elite, professional jobs and are inaccessible from those starting from the bottom of the ladder. Those at the lower end of the professional world are subjected to lower salaries, weaker unions, and expendable positions.

The Founding Fathers of America based off the government from John Locke’s idea of a Social Contract. They believed that human beings did need a government which they would give some of their individual rights to, in return for them agreeing to essentially protect the people from their worst vices. The economy of the Gilded Age was unstable and unequal; it saw a preference for the wealthy and a brutal disregard for those beneath them. It created a hierarchy that gave power to to the affluent elite, which in turn gave them the ability to influence political decisions that were advantageous for them and their businesses. Journals, such as those analyzed by William Reuter, and novels, like The Jungle, were ignored by the majority of those they were preaching to. Both Robber Barons and conniving businessmen, like Carnegie and Tweed, were able to evade persecution and correction for unfair labor conditions and illegal monetary decisions respectively, because politicians willingly overlooked them to preserve their precious relationship with the companies. Politicians, like Albert Beveridge, pushed for repeals and policies unfavorable and inconsiderate of the effects it would have on the working class who were already suffering. Locke’s government was superseded by an industrial government and failed to protect the American public because political parties looked towards “large capitalists who, in turn, expected subservience from the politicians, especially on issues affecting their businesses," said Leon Fink, the author of Major Problems in the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era: Documents and Essays.

Today's society is built on capitalist ideals, and while there is no fault on that, there is a fault on how it is thriving. As the majority, it is up to today's citizens to proactively be aware of any labor affronts and to be able to both address and rectify them. Only then might there be a truly stable and justified capitalist society.

Disney College Program Roles

There are multiple roles that you can have during your Disney College Program. There are categories that each other the roles fall into so I will sort them that way for you. I am also not only going to talk about the roles that are available for the Walt Disney World college program but the Disneyland college program. I will give details about each so you can decide which roles you are interested in. All of the descriptions for the different roles can be found at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/disney-college-program

Operations

Operations cast members help ensure our guests have enjoyable experiences while visiting our theme parks, Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort or Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. Whether directing vehicles in the parking lot, advising guests on which ticket packages to purchase, operating our rides/shows/attractions, or ensuring guest areas are clean and show ready, Operations cast members have a direct impact on our guests’ experiences

Disneyland

Attractions:

Operating attractions while providing a safe and enjoyable experience for Guests and Cast

Dispatching ride vehicles, also safely loading and unloading Guests

Providing direction to evacuate rides

Reciting memorized spiels to large groups

Multitasking and solving problems quickly

Answering questions and being responsive to special requests

Assisting with Entertainment Parade Guest Control

Working environment may include being exposed to exhaust fumes

Physical demands include standing and walking for long periods of time, constant hand use and repetitive wrist movement

Custodial:

Picking up debris, emptying trash cans, cleaning restrooms, sweeping and general area cleaning

Suggestive selling; explaining features and benefits of Disney PhotoPass product

Achieving monthly goals

Partnering with Character Performers and Character Attendants

Working in multiple locations - potentially all four Theme Parks in any given week

Standing for extended periods, working outdoors

Watercraft:

Operating watercraft vehicles, including using on-board computers

Assisting Guests with boarding and exiting vehicles

Delivering narrations via microphone during trips

Using a radio and understanding radio communication

Answering Guest questions about Walt Disney World® Transportation

Assisting with audience control

Standing for extended periods, working outdoors

Providing exceptional guest service

Valid US Driver’s License is required for this role

Entertainment

Entertainment cast members help create and maintain the show, whether through performing in our various parades and shows, facilitating character meet & greets, or supporting our performers and other cast members through supplying/maintaining costumes.

Disneyland

Cast Costuming:

Interacting with other Cast Members by answering questions and providing directions concerning the location and proper wear of over 200 types of costumes

Sorting and organizing costumes

Sorting soiled laundry

Operating a computerized costume issue system

Working in a warehouse environment

Physical demands include walking, standing, climbing tall ladders, and working at heights, as well as lifting/pushing costume inventory that may weigh 25 lbs. or more

Note that this position is only offered at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Costuming Operations:

Issuing costumes to fellow Cast Members throughout Operations and Entertainment Locations

Operating a computerized costume checkout system

Working around performers in various stages of dress

Operating basic laundry equipment

Repetitive overhead reaching, bending, and heavy lifting

Moving heavy costumes from location to location

Handling and laundering soiled garments

Standing for extended periods, working outdoors

Working independently, with minimal to no Guest interaction

Lodging

Lodging cast members help ensure guests have a memorable stay at our world-class resorts, whether through an expedient check-in process, a clean and well-maintained guest room, or assistance with transporting luggage.

Disneyland

Disney Desk:

Working independently in remote locations, including Good Neighbor hotels, shopping centers and the Disneyland Resort Welcome Center

Providing excellent Guest Service

Having a detailed level of knowledge about the Disneyland Resort and its ticket options

Ability to customize a ticket option that is right for Guests based on their needs

Working with cash and managing daily ticket inventory

Using highly technical computer systems

Memorizing resort information

Making reservations for Guests as needed

Physical demands include constant standing and walking for up to 8 hours

A valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation is required for this role

Front Desk:

Checking-in Guests to the Resort

Operating highly technical computer systems

Providing information for the Resort and surrounding areas

Answering Guest questions regarding the Disneyland Resort

Strong cash handling skills

Memorizing multiple types of rooms as well as other information

Maintaining high attention to detail in a fast paced environment

Physical demands include walking/standing, constant pushing/pulling up to 10 lbs, frequent bending/twisting/kneeling, and constant use of hands

Guest Services:

Assisting Guests with questions, directions, event schedules, and other information regarding the Hotel/Resort

With more than 300 food and beverage locations throughout our parks and resorts in Florida and California, Food & Beverage makes up an important part of our guests’ experiences. Food & Beverage cast members in these areas provide guests with memorable dining experiences from outdoor vending to counter service to signature restaurants.

Physical demands include standing, frequent walking, pushing/pulling, lifting, bending, twisting, and kneeling, as well as working with cleaning supplies. Latex Gloves are required when working with food products.

Detecting and responding to noises and distress signals in an aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility

Observing all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility

Physical demands include ability to swim 200 yards, and performing work that may involve lifting Guests in and out of the pool up to 100 lbs or more with assistance.

This role involves frequent walking/standing, pushing/pulling, and bending/twisting/kneeling, as well as working outdoors in extreme heat and/or cold

Each individual must be evaluated and certified at the Disneyland® Resort. All lifeguards must pass a swim test and a vision screening with at least 20/25 corrected or uncorrected. In the event you do not pass the swim test described below, you may be placed in another role based on availability.

Providing first aid and basic life support in the event of Guest injury or illness

Maintain a safe, clean and well organized environment

Maintaining safety standards

Answering Guest questions

Lifeguard:

Monitoring Guests’ safety in water and on slides/attractions

Physically challenging work and prolonged exposure to outside elements

Providing first aid and basic life support in the event of Guest injury or illness

Ability to detect and respond to noises and distress signals in an aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility

Must be able to observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility

Strong swimming skills

During off-peak seasons, assisting other operating areas throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort, including performing roles other than lifeguarding

Each individual must be evaluated and certified at the Walt Disney World® Resort. All lifeguards must pass a swim test and a vision screening with at least 20/25 corrected or uncorrected. In the event you do not pass the swim test described below, you may be placed in another role based on availability.

Phoenix's Largest Electricity Provider Anticipates A Price Decrease For Customers

Bills are never exciting to receive, and Salt River Project, Phoenix's largest supplier of power and water, knows that. In hopes of giving back to its customers, this not-for-profit company is proposing a lower billing price to its elected board of directors.

Wikimedia Commons

According to Salt River Project Media Manager Scott Harelson, SPR is planning a price decrease of 2.2 percent on the overall average annual amount. The plan was first created over a month ago, and if it's approved, the new utility prices will appear in the May 2019 billing cycle.

"We have been able to save a lot of money with our fuel expenses, and we pass those savings on directly to our customers," Harelson said, but how else is a not-for-profit company able to decrease prices? SPR's website has the answers:

"According to SRP General Manager and CEO Mike Hummel, SRP has been able to keep prices stable for the past four years through prudent operations and management, strategic resource acquisitions and taking advantage of market conditions that have allowed SRP to generate a greater share of energy using lower-cost natural gas."

SPR serves more than 1 million customers, and customer growth will continue to benefit prices and plan options. You can find more details on this good news on SRP's website.